Padres sign Alpine native Trenton Brooks to minor league deal
Credit: AP Photo
On Wednesday, the San Diego Padres signed first baseman/outfielder Trenton Brooks to a minor league deal.
The search for depth rolls on for the San Diego Padres.
In order to build a successful roster, you must possess depth at virtually every position.
On Wednesday, the Padres signed left-handed hitting Trenton Brooks to a minor league deal. Brooks debuted last season with the Giants after nine years in the minors with three different organizations. He was 3-for-25 (.120) in 12 games for San Francisco. After over 2,600 minor league at-bats, Brooks’ debut was sweet.
Trenton Brooks is a native of Alpine and attended Granite Hills High School. The Guardians drafted him from the University of Nevada in the 17th round of the 2016 MLB Draft. The first baseman/outfielder spent seven years with Cleveland before signing with the Oakland A’s for the 2023 season. Last winter, he signed a minor league deal to play in the Giants organization.
The 29-year-old left-hander has plenty of experience at the Triple-A level, having played over 500 games at that level.
He is described as a contact hitter who will walk. His career OBP in the minors is .360, which is very impressive. The lefty has slugged 73 homers in that time. He is a line-drive hitter with gap power. Brooks owns 171 career doubles in the minors.
At this point, the veteran minor leaguer will be invited to spring training and given an opportunity to earn a job. There will be plenty of competition, though, as his signing is merely one of the first. The Padres will likely load their roster with journeymen players looking to make the major league team. Brooks will need an extraordinary spring to force the Padres’ hand. It is not out of the realm of possibility, but it is a tough road indeed.
The most likely outcome is that Brooks will be the starting first baseman at the Triple-A level when the season opens next spring. He could also be used in left field. The Padres need depth, and Brooks is an interesting option if the team needs a left-handed bat eventually.
The native of San Diego must be excited to be playing for his hometown team.
James was born and raised in America’s Finest City. He is a passionate baseball fan with even more passion towards his hometown Padres. Editor-In-Chief of EastVillageTimes.com. Always striving to bring you the highest quality in San Diego Sports News. Original content, with original ideas, that’s our motto. Enjoy.